Signs of an alcohol emergency

A (Alert): inability to rouse a person with loud shouting or vigorous shaking; inability of a person who was passed out to stay awake for more than 2-3 minutes; vomiting while passed out; not waking up after vomiting; incoherent while vomiting

Be prepared to give the emergency medical personnel as much information as possible, including any drugs/medications taken.

What NOT to do

Don’t hesitate to call 911. The person's life could be in danger. Better to be safe than sorry.

Don’t assume someone else will take care of the person.Take action.

Don’t hesitate because of the cost of an ambulance. Ambulance transports for alcohol emergencies are covered by Cornell’s student health plans (SHP and SHP+) and many other private health insurance plans.

Don’t leave the person alone. They may seem to be okay, but the alcohol ingested may take some time to be absorbed before peak BAC levels are reached in the brain.

Don’t leave the person lying on their back.They could choke on their vomit.

Don’t try to give the person anything to eat or drink.

Don’t put the person in a cold shower. They could fall or the shock could make them pass out

Do the right thing: call 911 for help

In alcohol or other drug-related medical emergencies, Cornell’s Good Samaritan Protocol and New York State’s Good Samaritan Law help protect those who call 911 for help in AOD emergencies.. Get details on our Good Samaritan page.